news desk @bactiman63
The Ministry of Health (Minsa) has issued an epidemiological alert due to the risk of an increase in cases of influenza A (H3N2), in order to strengthen prevention and rapid detection measures to control it.
This, after registering 22 cases of this virus and one deceased in an army unit in the southern jurisdiction of Lima, in addition to the increase in acute respiratory infections (IRAS). In this sense, the Ministry of Health has implemented measures to control and identify new suspected cases.
Other regions where cases of influenza A (H3N2) have been recorded are in Ayacucho and Piura. These cases correspond to epidemiological week (ES) 16-2022.
In this regard, the National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Disease Control of Minsa (CDC) provided a series of recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus and signaled that infection control will be reinforced in public establishments and across the country and that timely epidemiological measures will be taken. surveillance.
Recommendations include identifying cases of serious or unusual acute respiratory infections, monitoring for increases in cases or outbreaks of acute respiratory infections in populations living in closed settings (barracks, shelters, prisons, schools , nursing homes, nurseries, among others), vaccination against influenza, compliance with biosecurity measures for infection control such as the correct use of masks, washing of hands and adequate ventilation of enclosed spaces, between others.
Similarly, health establishments that carry out sentinel surveillance must improve the processes for capturing, sampling and notifying cases of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections, following the flows established in the National Epidemiology Network (Renace ). .
How is the flu transmitted?
The flu virus is spread by droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, laughing, singing or talking. These small droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. The flu is also contracted when the hands are contaminated by covering the mouth or nose and then touching a surface or object, or the hands of other people.
Symptoms of infection (contagion)
Symptoms are usually manifested by a sudden onset of fever, cough and/or sore throat, which may also be accompanied by muscle pain, headache, malaise. Therefore, you must go to a health facility to be evaluated by a doctor and receive the appropriate treatment.
Preventative measures
Annual influenza vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting against influenza viruses.
Along with this, the recommended preventive measures should be taken to reduce the spread of influenza. For example, avoid close contact with sick people; if you are sick, limit contact with other people as much as possible to avoid spreading the infection to them; cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing; cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after using it.
Similarly, the use of a mask in people with respiratory symptoms is important, in addition, people caring for people with symptoms should wear a mask. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water; if there is no soap and water, use gel alcohol.
Finally, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; germs spread this way. And clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with flu-causing viruses.
